Dynamo Academy to host U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team in official soft opening of BBVA Compass Stadium

Teams to square off on May 10 in front of season ticket holders, sponsors and select guests

March 26, 2012

Houston Dynamo Communications

The Houston Dynamo Academy, presented by Statoil, will host the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team in the official soft opening event at BBVA Compass Stadium. The match will take place on May 10 at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be open to Dynamo season ticket holders, sponsors and select guests. Fans will be required to present an e-ticket that will be emailed to them in the coming weeks.

The match will culminate a week’s worth of events, leading up to the grand opening of BBVA Compass Stadium on May 12 when the Dynamo host D.C. United, presented by Greenstar Recycling. This will be the second time the Dynamo Academy has played the U.S. U-17 MNT. The two teams played to a scoreless tie on May 22, 2010.

“The soft opening is a great opportunity for season ticket holders to come on out and get a preview of BBVA Compass Stadium,” Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. “It is also a chance for them to get comfortable with their seats and surroundings. At the same time, it will be a tremendous opportunity for our Academy and an honor to host the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team. It will be a valuable dress rehearsal for everyone based around an exciting soccer match.”

The U-17 MNT is led by head coach Richie Williams, who took over the role in January 2012. The squad features players eligible for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, with players born from 1994-95.

“To have the chance to be a part of the stadium opening in Houston will be a unique experience for our players,” said U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team head coach Richie Williams. “The atmosphere and excitement around the event will add a different element to the opportunity of playing against a good opponent, and we’re thrilled to be invited.”

The BBVA Compass Stadium soft opening will be the first opportunity for Dynamo season ticket holders to watch a soccer match from their seats in BBVA Compass Stadium. In addition, the adidas Dynamo Team Store will be open for fans to purchase team apparel, and the stadium concessions stands will be open for food and beverage purchases.

The match against the U.S. U-17 MNT will not be open to the public, but fans can still secure their seats through Dynamo season ticket packages. For more information on full and partial season ticket packages, please visit HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-GOAL.